👉🏻 THE MYTH: Heartburn or acid reflux is caused by the stomach producing too much acid.
👉🏻 THE TRUTH: Heartburn or acid reflux is caused by the stomach producing too little acid.
❓WHY ANTACIDS ARE NOT THE SOLUTION: Gastrointestinal remedies are abundant, but many simply mask the symptoms rather than attack the problem.
Antacids suppress the body’s acid-producing capabilities, causing problems with protein digestion and absorption of vitamin B12 and other important nutrients. For example, some antacids reduce iron absorption, which ultimately affects the capacity to make red blood cells.
Prolonged antacid use affects calcium stores, leading to musculoskeletal problems. Plus, many people assume that calcium-containing antacids supply them with the required calcium, when, in fact, the body cannot readily use the calcium in most antacids.
Stomach acid is also part of your body's defense system, because the acid works to kill bacteria that enter the stomach. Our stomach acid is important!
Treating low stomach acid depends on the underlying cause. However, there are a few steps you can follow to help increase stomach acid levels on your own:
Chew your food
Limit processed foods
Eat fermented vegetables (kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles- not the ones in vinegar!)
Drink apple cider vinegar
Ginger, licorice
One major problem with our modern diet is its lack of enzymes (that we need to digest our food properly!). Digestive enzyme supplements can be utilized between meals to provide relief, enhance digestion and promote healing, and to improve symptoms of digestive distress and overall health.
Those with simple occasional heartburn who use over-the-counter medications are ideal candidates for enzyme therapy. Their symptoms usually result from food intolerances, occasional overeating, or transient stress and have no underlying pathology.
Patients with chronic problems, however, need to first rule out the possibility of serious chronic conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The next time you, or someone you know, reaches for an antacid - consider the natural benefits of digestive enzyme supplements and other natural solutions.
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